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Chloroquine kinetics in the undernourished
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Undernourished individuals exhibit similar chloroquine pharmacokinetics as normal subjects, indicating comparable drug handling and no increased toxicity risk. This research is vital for malaria treatment in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Chloroquine is a key antimalarial drug.
- Nutritional status can affect drug metabolism and efficacy.
- Understanding chloroquine pharmacokinetics in undernourished populations is crucial for safe and effective malaria treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the plasma and whole blood kinetics of chloroquine in normal versus undernourished subjects.
- To assess the potential for increased toxicity risk of chloroquine in undernourished individuals.
Main Methods:
- A single oral dose of 600 mg chloroquine was administered to 7 normal and 8 undernourished subjects.
- Plasma and whole blood concentrations were monitored over time.
- Erythrocyte uptake of chloroquine was also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Terminal half-lives and AUC (Area Under the Curve) for chloroquine were similar in both normal and undernourished groups.
- Despite receiving a higher dose per kilogram of body weight, undernourished subjects showed comparable chloroquine levels, likely due to faster clearance.
- Chloroquine uptake by erythrocytes was similar between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Undernourished individuals handle chloroquine similarly to normal subjects.
- There is no evidence to suggest a greater risk of chloroquine toxicity in undernourished populations.
- These findings support the continued use of chloroquine in malaria treatment for undernourished patients.